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Time to get nervous # 2

On 12. 20.2013 I posted my concern about the water situation in California. This is still a big and growing concern but a new one is on the horizon.

Here is a heads up for all of you who pollinate almonds.

The weather here has been gorgeous. Up to 70 with close to freezing at night. Because of the lack of rain and the great weather I began to think about an early almond bloom showing up in 2014 similar to the one we had about a decade or so back.

This morning my Dad came in to chat and we talked about watering our almonds. He also casually mentioned that the buds on the trees were turning red. OH NO I thought!!!!! Here we go and way to early.

With highs in the mid 60's the next week and rain at least a week off I want to give a big heads up to all you beeks who show up in California to meet the pink lady!!!!!
Things might change but you all need to be ready to rumble early this year if things stay on the current track. I am not saying we are going to have a January bloom at this point but the possibility is the greatest I have seen in 30 years.

Re: Time to get nervous # 2

Now you got me nervous, my white nectarine looks like it might start popping in 2 weeks, and the cherries have initiated bud swell as well........ they look like trees you would order in march for bare-root almost.

Re: Time to get nervous # 2

Originally Posted by JRG13

Now you got me nervous, my white nectarine looks like it might start popping in 2 weeks, and the cherries have initiated bud swell as well........ they look like trees you would order in march for bare-root almost.

Even though my caption say says "nervous" its not my point........... Mostly a heads up..... A big heads UP!!!!!! An early almond bloom encapsulated by the drought is going to make this very interesting once the almonds are finished.

Not fun or profitable...... interesting.

I'm personally wading warily as to possible ramifications and considering some very drastic options being left on the plate we are being handed. The good ones are few and diminishing while the drastic ones look increasingly dismal.

Re: Time to get nervous # 2

Originally Posted by babybee

If all came to pass, as in early early, what time would you be thinking? Jan 15, 20, 25, or 30?

Not saying yet. Will be watching the trees at home and my "indicator" trees which often give a week + heads up. The earliest I can remember in the past was the first few days of February. The answer really depends on what happens with the weather in the next few weeks. Thats out of my control. Just being observant at this point.

Re: Time to get nervous # 2

Went to feed in the foothills today gooseberrys blooming at least 3weeks early. Don't think we ever got winter bees brooded all winter, bees flew every day good thing I fed all winter remindes me of Southern California.

Re: Time to get nervous # 2

Originally Posted by davidsbees

Went to feed in the foothills today gooseberrys blooming at least 3weeks early. Don't think we ever got winter bees brooded all winter, bees flew every day good thing I fed all winter remindes me of Southern California.

This is the antidotal confirmation I'm looking for from other folks. Anyone else seeing similar observations?

Re: Time to get nervous # 2

Barring a major cold snap my guess is that right now it is 5-7 days advanced at this point... maybe a slight hair more. Supposed to get "rain" here next week but the way the satellite photos look I would bet its not going to give us more than a spritz. Average daily temps forecast to be 8-10 degrees above the average for the next week. Fortunately the nights are still pretty cool.... about 5 -7 below the averages. This will help slow the buds down. Looks like a battle for the buds on both ends. We are all hoping the lows don't continue once the flowers open (or later)

Re: Time to get nervous # 2

Titel of the thread is time to get nervous---Honey -4- All sets a time line of 5-7 days early
other threads say watter cut to growers on eastside-growers tell me maybe they will be cut by 3 delivers whole year -readjust there watering schedule acordingly---
Down in the valley away from the northern groves no one is nervious-trees are not pushing
Let the rain take its time --april may and june means good mating for early queens and fat packages with a baner honey crop
seams to me this is a blessing enjoy it this dosent happen every year put it all on Red and let it ride---RDY-B